Judge sets date for first trial from Paulsboro derailment

CAMDEN (AP) — A trial date has been set for lawsuits stemming from a 2012 train derailment in South Jersey.

A federal judge in Camden filed an order Thursday setting September 8 for the first cases in the Paulsboro derailment.

Seven cars on a train operated by Conrail derailed in Paulsboro on Nov. 30, 2012.

Vinyl chloride, a gas that has been linked to respiratory problems, dizziness and death, was released into the air.

Numerous individuals, first responders and others sued Conrail. The first responders' suit claims Conrail mishandled the response to the leak and didn't tell them the extent of the possible health risks.

A federal report released last year faulted Conrail for continuing to open and close a swinging bridge where the accident occurred despite a consultant's recommendation not to.

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